By Steven Baird
Guest Editorial
PINSON –At the beginning of the school year, we had a orientation with the counselors and school principals at Pinson Valley High School. Mr. Turner spoke of how he values our children, their future and our community.
My question is how can he say that he values our children and their future, and have us believe that, when he alone made the decision to dismiss two teachers in the art department that are valued by this community? These teachers were father figures to some kids, a big brother to some, and mentors to all the students.
If Mr. Turner really cared about the students’ future and their values he would listen to them. He sees them standing up for their mentors. But he doesn’t realize that in his decision to fire these teachers, he and he alone is making the choice to negatively impact the students. That shows that he really doesn’t care and we were misled at orientation.
The students will probably lose school spirit, lose respect for him and his judgment. Students will probably drop out of the arts department all together because of this decision and the choices of Mr. Turner.
To build relationships and respect, Mr. Turner should listen to the students and bring back these teachers. For someone who says they care about our children’s future, he sure is making a bad mistake in firing these teachers.
From this day forward, everything that happens with these students from losing opportunities in theater and music is on his hands alone. If he won’t listen to the students and the community, then I believe we need a new school principal. We need a principal that will listen to the students and respect the values of the community..